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The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world; Poets.org, the Academy’s popular website; American Poets, a biannual literary journal; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. Since its founding, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization.

Empire State Building Honors Academy of American Poets with a Special Lighting on April 1

Posted on

Mar 24 2004

New York, March 24, 2004--On Thursday, April 1, the Empire State Building will honor the Academy of American Poets with a special blue-and-white lighting to mark the Academy's 70th anniversary year. April 1 also marks the beginning of National Poetry Month, the Academy's signature program, which is now in its ninth year. The Academy established National Poetry Month in 1996; the program has since become the largest literary celebration in the world.

The Academy's Executive Director, Tree Swenson, said, "We are so honored that the Empire State Building, a National Historic Landmark, will shine in honor of the Academy of American Poets on April 1. Over the past 70 years, the Academy has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of New York City, and we are so excited to be a part of the greatest skyline on earth for this one night."

On May 1, 1931, President Hoover pressed a button in Washington, D.C,. officially opening and turning on the Empire State Building's lights. In November 1932, the first light shined atop the Empire State Building; it was a searchlight beacon which told people for 50 miles that Franklin D. Roosevelt has been elected president of the United States.

The Empire State Building receives nearly 1,000 lighting requests each year.An Empire State Building spokesperson said she does not recall a special lighting for any other literary arts organizations during her 19 years working there.

The Academy of American Poets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1934 to foster appreciation for contemporary poetry and to support American poets at all stages of their careers. For more information on the Academy and its programs, visit www.poets.org.

Photograph courtesy Battman. The Empire State Building image is a registered trademark and is used with permission.